Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer, Councilman Manuel Segura, Mott School Principal Elizabeth Ramirez-DeJesus and Jerry Murphy, SCC Managing Director join Mott School Elementary students as they break ground for construction.

SCC Holds Groundbreaking for Mott School Expansion

State Funding $7 Million for Project in Trenton District

Trenton, NJ (January 14, 2004) - New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) representatives joined Trenton Public School District educators, students, city officials and community supporters today in a Groundbreaking Ceremony for a new addition and renovations at Mott Elementary School.

On the front steps of the Mott School at 45 Stokely Avenue, dozens of students braved frigid weather to lead the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of "God Bless America" and their school song. The students, wearing yellow plastic construction hats and wielding yellow plastic shovels, then ceremoniously dug into a large mound of dirt to break ground for the SCC's latest school construction project in the city district.

The Mott School expansion will provide educational opportunities for 370 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. The 15,624-square-foot, three-story addition will include a cafeteria, media center, art room, music room and small instruction room. The project also will involve renovating 14,312 square feet of space in the existing school in Trenton. Work is scheduled for completion by fall 2005.

Mott School Choir

The SCC is providing $7 million in funding and will manage construction of the expansion project in the city school district in Mercer County as part of the state's unprecedented $8.6 billion school construction program.

"The Mott School expansion is representative of New Jersey's continued commitment to our children. We are living up to our most important obligation by providing 21st century facilities to ensure every child has the opportunity to get the education they deserve and the skills necessary to start school," said Governor McGreevey.

"The state is committed to improving school facilities for New Jersey students in a cost-effective, streamlined and efficient manner. School buildings must be designed to provide access to modern technology and a thoughtful environment which is conducive to student achievement," Governor McGreevey added.

Dr. James Lytle, Superintendent

"The district has been looking forward to this project, which will enhance the educational opportunities for the children of Trenton," said Dr. James Lytle, Superintendent. He thanked the Governor, Mayor Douglas Palmer, SCC, Department of Education, Trenton School Board and project management firm Hill International "for leading the way."

"This expansion project in Trenton is another example of the progress made in implementing New Jersey 's unprecedented school construction initiative. It is representative of the many quality school facilities that are being built throughout the state under the educational facilities law," stated Jack Spencer, CEO of the SCC.

Under the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act, the SCC is responsible for school projects throughout the State. The program is the largest public construction program ever undertaken by the State of New Jersey and represents one of the largest programs of its type ever undertaken in the nation.

 

Mott Elementary School Renderings

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